Duell for the Basque Country

The battle for the Basque Country is on. As always, it’s about more than the three points! Besides the “bragging rights”, this time it is also about the connection to the top group. The visitors currently have the better cards. But that rarely counts in a derby. The betting odds on Real Sociedad against Athletic Bilbao indicate that the hosts are the favourites.

This thesis may also be due to a look at the squad. The guests are known to be limited in their transfer activities. Without the ideological “ballast”, the hosts naturally find it easier to put together a squad. So it is hardly surprising that the squad here appears to be almost twice as valuable. As a result, the predictions for Real Sociedad against Athletic Bilbao tend to go in the blue half of the Basque country.

Looking at the results so far, however, the visitors should be considered favourites. Although six rounds played are only of limited significance, the Lions do greet us from fourth place. San Sebastian is below them. That can be seen as extra ammunition for the derby. It is therefore no surprise that the odds are in favour of the blue and white for Real Sociedad against Athletic Bilbao.

Real Sociedad – Statistics & current form

It’s all about the Basque Country and then some. The blue and white want to repeat what happened in the pre-season. Beyond that, it’s about keeping up with the top group. To do so, they are relying on tried and tested forces.

The Coach

With Imanol Alguacil, a true veteran is on the sidelines. He was born in the Basque Country, where he also took his first steps as a kicker. He wore the blue and white jersey of the Basques for over a decade before disappearing into the lower leagues.

Since 2011, he has been back in his old home country in various positions. His success has proven him right. Since taking over as boss in 2018, there have been constant steps forward. The past four seasons have seen them break into the top 6 and win the Copa 2020, so it’s no surprise that the squad is also showing consistency.

The squad

The squad building in the north of Spain (whether in red or blue) seems to be taking place on a very calm and considered principle. With seven departures and eight arrivals, turnover is low. Income of roughly seven million, as well as expenditure of roughly 18 million, is a no-brainer in today’s professional business.

However, if you have players of the calibre of Martín Zubimendi or Mikel Oyarzabal in your squad, you don’t need any major changes. It is probably this consistency that impresses many bookmakers. For Real Sociedad against Athletic Bilbao, many bets are going for a victory for the men from San Sebastian.

The start of the season

Contrary to the praise, the season got off to a slow start. At the start, there were three draws in a row. With the exception of the surprise team from Girona, however, there were no big players. After a high-scoring victory (5:3) against Granada, the Blue and Whites lost to the Blancos.

The 1:1 against Inter in the Champions League was a step forward. The 4:3 against Getafe , as well as the 1:0 in Valencia afterwards, helped at least in the standings. Now there is a derby coming up. Its own rules apply. Despite everything, the machine seems to be slowly warming up.

Predicted line-up of Real Sociedad:
Remiro – Traoré, Elustondo, Pacheco, Tierney – Merino, Turrientes, Gonzalez – Oyarzabal, Fernandez, Cho

Athletic Bilbao – Statistics & current form

The clocks have always run differently in San Mamés. This applies above all to the famous transfer policy of the red and whites. But there also seems to be a greater degree of calm in coaching matters than in other parts of the world.

The Coach

In Ernesto Valverde, there is a suitable counterpart to the hosts’ coach. Although he is not a born Basque, he did wear the red and white jersey for six years as an active player. Since moving to the other side of the white line, he has been a Basque boomerang. For the fifth time in total, he is in charge of the Athletic Club team.

The victory in the 2015 Spanish Supercopa was the most notable, but beyond that, his greatest praise is the constant formation of a competitive squad with limited resources. Certain mainstays also help him in this regard.

The squad

Over 27 years are the average age of the 25 active members of the Lions. That is relatively old, but also experienced. Only marginal changes were made. Only four permanent additions were recorded. These were offset by six departures. The cost on both sides of the fraction line is zero!

Subscribers to the San Mamés will not have much trouble remembering the new faces. Unai Simón is still in goal. Raul Garcia and the Williams brothers are still being fed by Iker Muniain. No wonder then that the most notable addition is Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta (Mallorca).

The opener

But success proves them right, as it so often does. With four wins, two draws and one defeat, with 13:6 goals, things are going splendidly so far. The opener was a 2-0 loss against the white ballet. Since then, Osasuna and Betis, among others, have been put in their place.

So the Lions have one of the best defensive departments in the league, and they are known to win championships. It will almost certainly not go that far. But a place among the league’s top teams is always possible.

Predicted line-up of Athletic Bilbao:
Simón – Berchiche, Paredes, Vivian, de Marcos – Herrera, Vesga – Berenguer, Gómez, I. Williams – Guruzeta

Real Sociedad – Athletic Bilbao Direct comparison / H2H record

The head-to-head duel has been played in various forms for over 100 years. In terms of titles, the red and white are clearly in front. In the recent past, however, five duels went to the hosts. In addition, there were two draws and three victories for the visitors.

In the last season, there was one home win each (2:0 in Bilbao / 3:1 in San Sebastian), but at the end of the season, the two sides were separated by 20 points. The chances of a prolongation of the series are not bad. That’s why bettors are offering better odds on Real Sociedad against Athletic Bilbao.

Real Sociedad – Athletic Bilbao betting tips

An exciting duel is on the cards. As in most derbies, the favourite role is difficult to assign. San Sebastian score points for market value and youthful freshness. A look at the past season seems to confirm this thesis. In this light, it is not surprising that most forecasts are predicting a home win for Real Sociedad against Athletic Bilbao.

On the other hand, experience speaks in favour of the visitors. Both on and off the pitch. This can also fill many a quality gap. Whether that is enough in this case remains to be seen, of course. What is clear, however, is that neither team can accept defeat.

It will be close and competitive. With recent results behind them, it will be a home win. With that in mind, we’re going with tip 1 for Real Sociedad against Athletic Bilbao. If recent games are any indicator, it probably won’t be goalless either.